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Coffeehouse Battle Brewing in Galesburg

Cortney Hill

Starbucks plans a return to Galesburg after leaving the city six years ago.

The international coffee roaster and retailer plans to open a shop in the Hy-Vee Store on East Main Street.

Galesburg coffee drinkers already have local options, including Innkeepers Coffee on Seminary Street. Co-owner Johan Ewalt is not especially concerned about competition from the national chain.

“We’re not thrilled that we are going to have some more competition but maybe it will be a good thing, we'll see. I think it will be a great option for people who are looking for a good Starbucks product to go in the Hy-Vee store and get a latte and do their shopping,” he said.

Ewalt said he can’t imagine his regular customers will stop coming to Innkeepers and instead drive to Hy-Vee for their coffee. He pointed out Innkeepers has been in business for 16 years.

Starbucks had a shop on North Henderson Street in Galesburg but it closed after just one year due to the economy. The company shut down 600 other stores along with the Galesburg store.

Construction of the shop in Hy-Vee is already underway. It should be ready next month.